Over ninety Sitkans turned out Wednesday evening (10-24-18) to hear high school students ask District 35 candidates Richard Wein (at table, left) and Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins questions on a wide range of subjects — including topics not in the scope of the legislature’s authority, like immigration and abortion. (KCAW photo/Robert Woolsey)

American Government students from Sitka High School on Wednesday (10-24-18) held a ninety-minute forum with candidates for House District 35, representing Sitka, Petersburg, Angoon, Hoonah, Kake, Craig, Klawock and many smaller communities Prince of Wales and Chichagof islands.

Richard Wein (R), a retired physician who won a seat on the Sitka Assembly last fall in his first foray into politics, is challenging three-term incumbent Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (D), who was first elected to the Alaska House of Representatives six years ago — also in his first foray into politics, fresh out of college.

Special thanks to Sitka High American Government teacher Howard Wayne for his work preparing students for this event.

Here are the candidates’ answers to every question asked during the wide-ranging forum.

1. Would you support the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment if Congress were to pass it?

 

2. Do you support any limitations to the 2nd Amendment?

 

3. Would you actively oppose mining projects by large rivers that are vital to salmon?

 

4. Should Alaska penalize first-time opiate offenders with jail time, or should they be offered a rehab program instead?

 

5. Do you support equal rights for gay people?

 

6. What is your opinion of President Trump’s plan to repeal the Roadless Rule in the Tongass?

 

7. In the Philippines we read school prayer over the intercom. Should we be allowed to do the same in Alaska?

 

8. What is your plan to help prevent school shootings in Alaska?

 

9. Should safe abortion clinics and options be available to women in Alaska?

 

10. Do you believe the death penalty would be a good solution to help reduce prison costs?

 

11. What do you think marijuana has done for Alaska since it has been legalized?

 

12. What would you do to make health care more affordable and available for those who need it in Alaska?

 

13. What is your position on offshore exploration for fossil fuels in Alaska?

 

14. Do you believe that illegal immigrants in Alaska should be deported immediately?

 

15. What are your views on changing Alaska’s law to require students to stay in school until they are 18?

 

16. In 2016 the state passed SB91 and last fall passed SB54 — both intended to reform the criminal justice system. While a sharp rise in Anchorage crime has been blamed on SB91, public safety experts say the rise in crime has more to do with opioid addiction, the recession, and cuts to public safety and the judicial system, and the lack of addiction treatment and other rehabilitation services. What do you think will be most effective in reducing crime in Alaska?

 

17. Should the state be allowed to take money from the PFD?

 

18. Would you join a bipartisan House coalition if it exists in the next session?

 

19. Please explain your position on Ballot Measure 1 (“Yes for Salmon”).

 

20. Given the hurtful cuts to our school district budget and other vital infrastructure, what would you do to change the state budget to help Sitka?

 

21. Does either of you support a state payroll tax? If not, why not? It’s time for the state to start getting some money back from all of the seasonal employees who take their earnings back to the lower 48.

 

22. The candidates were then allowed to ask one question of each other.

 

23. Closing statement: Richard Wein (R), challenger.

 

24. Closing statement: Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins (D), incumbent.

Note: A third candidate for House District 35 is Michael Sheldon, who is running as a registered write-in. Sheldon was invited to the forum, but did not attend.